And why ignoring this could cost you your best people

If you’re responsible for developing talent in your organization, whether as an HR leader, senior executive, or people manager, you’ve likely seen it firsthand:

• Your mid-level leaders are juggling everything

• They’re hitting deadlines, keeping projects moving, managing teams

• They’re implementing strategy and adapting to constant change

And yet… they’re burning out.

They’re exhausted, overextended, and feeling stuck in the middle, sandwiched between senior leadership expectations and frontline execution.

This is what I call “the squeeze.” And it’s quietly crushing the performance, engagement, and wellbeing of your most promising leaders.

If you’re a high-achieving professional or entrepreneur, chances are you’ve worn “doing it all” like a badge of honor. You’re the go-to person, the one who always delivers, the problem solver who somehow manages to squeeze in one more thing.

At first, it feels good. You’re needed. You’re trusted. You’re proving your worth.

But over time? The weight of everything starts to crush you.

Your calendar is overflowing, your stress levels are skyrocketing, and despite your best efforts, you’re stretched so thin that your impact starts to suffer.

Here’s the truth: Trying to do everything isn’t a strength. It’s a liability.

Have you ever felt like you’re just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud? No matter how much you achieve, there’s still a voice in your head whispering, “You don’t belong here.”

Maybe you’ve held back from speaking up in a meeting, afraid that your ideas weren’t good enough. Maybe you’ve hesitated before applying for a bigger role, convincing yourself you’re not quite ready. Or maybe you’ve downplayed your own success, thinking, “I just got lucky.”

That’s imposter syndrome talking. And if you’ve ever experienced it, you’re not alone.

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you learn, read, or achieve, you’re still not there yet? Like you’re constantly searching for the next book, podcast, or expert to finally unlock your happiness and success?

We live in an age of overconsumption, where we’ve been conditioned to believe that the answers to our problems exist outside of us. That if we just had more knowledge, more validation, or more approval, we’d finally feel fulfilled. But here’s the truth: Everything you need is already within you.

Valentine’s Day often focuses on expressing love for others, but when was the last time you showed love to yourself?

As high achievers, we pour so much energy into our careers, relationships, and responsibilities that we often forget the most important relationship we have—the one with ourselves.

The truth is, self-love isn’t selfish. It’s essential. When you prioritize yourself, you’re better equipped to thrive in your career, show up for others, and live a fulfilling life. So today, let’s flip the script.